Primary Care and Sunny Spirits – A Joyful Farewell to Prasanna

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Friday 28th February

Written by Krista & Ansa

Our last day at Prasanna School of Public Health greeted us with heated temperatures, playful stray puppies in front of the food court and spicy breakfast food – spicy at least to some of us. The last day arrived at the same time fast and slow. We had seen so much during the week that the five day program felt like double the time, but at the same time the end of our visit arrived quickly enough for us to hope for an extension. Due to the versatile and full schedule on our trip, it felt like all the information, imagery and memories attained from the visit needed some time to arrange to a time line. 


After the breakfast, we hopped to the familiar yellow school bus to take us to the first field visit of the day, a primary health center. Once we arrived to the destination, low yellow building, we noted that the walls of The Primary Health Center were covered with public health posters informing patients of various health related topics, such as mental health, pregnancy and life style habits. Even us, not understanding a word of the language, could understand the meaning of the posters because of pictures. 



At the Primary Health Center, we were first showed around, and told about, for example vaccinations of the local people. Then Dr. Navya told us about the operation of the Health Center in more details, for example the health care of mothers and children. It was inspirational to listen to someone so passionate and determined, and as Dr. Navya said, no patient will die, not on her watch. 

After lunch break at the university food court, we had the second field trip of the day to learn about the waste management of the local hospital. Despite the extremely hot day, nobody passed out during the tour partially outside, and we learned how, for example medical waste and different types of hospital waste is sorted at the local hospital. 

We had some time to hop to Tuk Tuks  and visit a local lake side for some shade – some of us felt sporty enough to go on a walk around the lake. Then we had our final feedback session with Dr. Cheriand and Dr. Sumit at the Prasanna School of Public Health. We were asked to share one thing we learned and one thing we would like to change or improve. From our answers, it resonated that stepping in another part of the world, finding out about different culture, environment and habits can be an eye opening experience. One thing for sure is that we were all glad and grateful to have had the opportunity for this unique experience. 


After the feedback session, it was time to have dinner to our favorite restaurant Krishna Kuteera and head back to the hostel to pack our bags for our journey back home. 

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